Masood Leads Pakistan Batting Effort as South Africa Fields Trio of Spinners
Shan Masood led Pakistan’s batting efforts as the team faced South Africa in their 2025-2027 Test Championship opener. The match took place in Lahore, where Masood won the toss and opted to bat first on a challenging pitch.
Match Overview
The dry surface featured visible cracks, making it a tough decision for Masood. He admitted uncertainty about the conditions, especially since no Tests had been held at the venue since 2022.
Team Selection
Pakistan reinstated Abdullah Shafique, who last played against England in October 2024. Their lineup featured:
- Shan Masood (captain)
- Abdullah Shafique
- Imam ul Haq
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Noman Ali
- Sajid Khan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Hassan Ali
South Africa’s Spin Strategy
South Africa entered the match with a record streak of ten consecutive Test victories. They opted for a spin-heavy lineup without first-choice spinner Keshav Maharaj, who is recovering from a groin injury but is expected back for the second Test. Their XI consisted of:
- Aiden Markram (captain)
- Ryan Rickelton
- Wiaan Mulder
- Tony de Zorzi
- Tristan Stubbs
- Dewald Brevis
- Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper)
- Senuran Muthusamy
- Simon Harmer
- Kagiso Rabada
- Prenalen Subrayen
Absences and New Faces
In Temba Bavuma’s absence due to injury, South Africa included both Tony de Zorzi and Dewald Brevis, leaving David Bedingham out of the squad. Allrounders Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch were also not featured in the lineup.
This match marks an exciting start for both teams in their quest for the World Test Championship title. Pakistan aims to overcome the challenges posed by the spinning trio of South Africa while showcasing their own bowling strength.
